What does an Ethiopian musical ensemble, rock, soul and a group of TJ’s Music Store students all have in common?

At the 12th annual Narrows Festival of the Arts on Sept. 8 from 11 a.m to 7 p.m., these different sounds and their respective performers will all blend together. In the words of Narrows Executive Director Patrick Norton: “Each performer represents a distinct part of the American soundscape.”

The event is free to the public and will take place at Fall River’s waterfront, outside and inside the Narrows.

The family-centered event will have something for everyone. The event’s Main Stage, along with the fine artisan vendors, the food court and children’s activities, will be on Anawan Street. The Children’s Museum of Fall River will provide activities for the children’s area. The second stage of performers, the Narrows Gallery and Café Gallery Exhibitions and the Studio Artists will be inside the Narrows, which recently installed air conditioning.

The event sells itself, Norton said, speaking highly of the diversity of musical acts that will grace the stage.

When asked to highlight certain performers, Norton paused a bit before proclaiming that one individual performer is not what this event is all about.

“It’s more about all the acts,” he said. “It’s more about the diversity.”

Norton did highlight Seth Walker and Chuck Prophet and the Mission Express. He noted that both have years of experience under their belts and an impressive following to boot.

Both also capture the eclectic spirit of the festival, with Prophet presenting the soul/blues side of the event and Walker representing the rock sounds.

The Horseneck Trio will also stop by and add its jazzy blend to the mix.

The Classified will capture more local flavor, as that group comprises a group of TJ’s Music Store students. Also playing at the event will be Debo Band, Dino Govoni, Danielle Miraglia, Kevin Connolly Band and the Amy Black Band.

“It is a microcosm of what happens daily at the Narrows,” Norton also said. “We have put Fall River on the map as a cultural destination and this event celebrates the arts in grand fashion.”

To complement the hodgepodge of sounds, art — and plenty of it — will be featured. Norton said 30 art vendors will be present throughout the day.

The Narrows Center is located at 16 Anawan St. For more information, visit www.narrowscenter.org.